New Yorkers – Republican, Democrat, and Independent – don’t like the fat tax on non-diet soft drinks, would rather see tax hikes on booze and cigarettes as well as a millionaire’s tax, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

As for Paterson’s leadership on the issue: New York State voters approve 53 – 29 percent of the job Gov. David Paterson is doing, but disapprove 46 – 40 percent of the way he is handling the state budget. Still voters say 54 – 33 percent Paterson has the leadership ability to solve the state’s budget problems.

Voters agree with Paterson 88 – 8 percent that the state has a budget crisis. In another question, 96 percent of voters say the state’s budget problems are “somewhat serious” or “very serious, with 3 percent saying the problems are “not too serious.”

New York State voters oppose the so-called ‘Fat Tax’ on non-diet soft drinks 60 – 37 percent, as even those who prefer diet soft drinks oppose the measure 58 – 39 percent.